Board Game organization
The Dilemma
We have a large family and one of our favorite past times is gathering around the table and playing board games. With four children (the oldest of which is twenty-four) you can imagine how these games accumulate. We would add one or two new games a year, and the next thing we knew they had taken over.
Anytime I organize a space I ask a few key questions: What is the problem? And, how do I want this space to serve our family? It needs to be done correctly the first time. I don’t want to have to come back and re-organize. One and done is the goal!
The Solution
In this case the problem was two-part. We had too many board games, so a purge was necessary. However, the second part of the problem was that even after purging, we were left with a collection of board games in odd sized boxes making them difficult to store. The goal: Find a uniform way to store the games in a way that would be easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing.
Let me break down the steps I followed for this project.
Step one: We purged any games that were not being played. This was easy! We all knew our favorites. Then we took everything out of the cabinet, wiped the area clean and began with a blank slate.
Step two: We measured the cabinet, shelves and contents of board games. Then I searched for product. I knew the specific bag I wanted to use to achieve a uniform look. In addition, I wanted baskets to beautify the space. Tip: Don’t buy baskets or bags until you have completely purged and measured!
Step three: I headed to The Container Store website and had a brief consult over Face Time with my sister in love, Lisa, at Get Neat with Lisa. If you can, consult a pro! It will save you time and money in your space in the long run. I ordered my board games and compared them with the dimensions on the item description of the vinyl bags to know which size bag to order. It’s important to take into account some of the bulky game pieces as well. In addition to bags, I found some beautiful baskets to store the games. I made sure to measure the width, depth and height of my cabinet shelves, then voila! Add to cart. So easy and my items arrived quickly.
Step four: This was the fun part! When my items arrived, I transferred the contents of each game to the new storage bag. The sides of board game boxes are the perfect size to use as labels. I cut this part off, recycled the rest and used packing tape to tape it to the bag. Tip: I did not tape the labels on until all the board games had been transferred and I was certain each bag was a fit.
Step five: I placed all the completed bags into the new baskets. Everything fit perfectly. I’m so glad I took the extra time to measure, measure and MEASURE!
The Finished Project and an UPDATE:
This project was a success! When a project stays organized, I know it was done well. The only changes or tweaking that I have made to this game cabinet is the addition of new games or purging of old. It seems like each Christmas and birthday that rolls around, our family adds to our game collection. It is important during those times to purge the older games that are not being played, or to throw out those games with missing pieces or tattered boards. Replace them or simple purge. You can reuse the vinyl bags for new games that you collect. Our games are now stored in a uniform way, they are easy to access, and they look so beautiful. This project was done during quarantine and has now served our family for years. TIP: If you have older board games where the board does not fold down compactly like the newer games do, simple leave them in the box and store behind. Additionally, larger bags can be found on Amazon for these board sizes, but they are not super great quality.
A Note about Hobby Gamers and Collectors:
Some of you may be game collectors and “hobby” gamers who care about re-sale value of games, and the original boxes remaining in tact. I’m sure you have developed ways that work best for you in the storing and displaying of your collection. I was looking for a practical way to store family games that, when no longer serving our family, will be donated. Therefore, cutting the boxes and finding a new method of storage was not an issue for me at all. As always, I’m sharing what has worked for me! Now, let the games begin!
Below I have listed the products used:
Click here for Baskets used
Click here for Vinyl Bags used
May peace abide in your heart and home,
Wendy